The University of Nevada, Reno invites art lovers to spend the beginning of the Valentine's weekend at the biannual Valentine's Auction Friday, Feb. 12, in the Student Galleries South venue in the Jot Travis Building on campus.

"It's an opportunity for our region's citizens to collect work from local artists that they love, and from artists who have international recognition," Director of University Galleries Paul Baker Prindle said.

In previous years, as many as 700 people attended the event, and more than $50,000 was raised in 2014. It is the biggest fundraiser for the University's Museum of Art, and proceeds from the silent auction go directly back to its programs.

"It makes it possible for us to pay student workers who get hands-on training in the field that they want to go into," Baker Prindle said. "It also allows us to take care of the collection and keep it conserved and clean. And allows us to offer field trips to area schools."

University Galleries is responsible for the care of the department's permanent art collection of about 3,000 objects.

"Unfortunately, there is not a lot of funding for collection care these days," Baker Prindle said. "So if we want to preserve our collection, we have to raise the money to take care of it. It allows our current students and future generations of students to study objects by internationally important artists through our history."

This year's Valentine's Auction theme is inspired by the Banquet Room of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England. Student Galleries South will be transformed with crystal chandeliers and red and gold wall treatments. Artwork priced from $20 to $10,000 is available. More than 100 pieces will be on the auction block.

Attendees can expect to see works from Joan Arrizabalaga, faculty members Michael Sarich and Tamara Scronce, as well as other well-known artists represented by Stremmel Gallery. This year, a tribute exhibition also will display works from Twinkie artist and lifelong Valentine's Auction supporter, Nancy Peppin, who died in June.

"What is great is that you can get artwork that you might not be able to afford otherwise, while supporting the work of the University Galleries," Baker Prindle said.

A preview can be seen online at the museum's Instagram account.

University Galleries' Valentine's Auction: Friday, Feb. 12
Member preview: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Public bidding: 6:30 p.m.
Student Galleries South, Jot Travis Building
Parking and Tickets: Free

The University's School of the Arts embraces its role as a vibrant center for arts and culture in northern Nevada. Its degree programs provide a strong foundation in a range of artistic disciplines, enabling students to contribute as artists, educators and scholars on the local level and beyond. The school also supports and encourages research, innovation and the artistic endeavors of its faculty. Finally, the school encourages broad campus and community participation in the arts through its numerous performances, lectures, shows, core courses and outreach activities that explore diverse cultures and encourage lifelong learning.